Patentable/Patents/US-11991692
US-11991692

Systems and methods for configuring symbol and symbol block parameters in wireless communication

PublishedMay 21, 2024
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Current frame structures in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) place some restrictions on the symbols transmitted in the frame, e.g. restrictions related to the duration of each symbol. Embodiments are disclosed in which multi-carrier symbols and/or single-carrier symbol blocks have configurable parameters, such as configurable length and/or configurable location, thereby allowing for more flexibility in the scheduling and transmission of the symbols and/or symbol blocks. Some embodiments aim to implement the configurable parameters in a way that tries to reduce signaling overhead.

Patent Claims
16 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the time reference point is among a plurality of time reference points that are predefined or configured by a base station in semi-static signaling or in dynamic signaling.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing time reference points in signal transmission. The problem addressed is the need for precise timing synchronization between a base station and user equipment (UE) to ensure reliable communication. The invention provides a method where a base station defines multiple time reference points, which can be either predefined or dynamically configured via semi-static or dynamic signaling. These reference points serve as synchronization markers for aligning transmission and reception timings between the base station and UE. The method allows for flexible adjustment of timing parameters to accommodate varying network conditions, such as latency or propagation delays. By configuring these reference points dynamically, the system can optimize performance, reduce interference, and improve overall communication efficiency. The base station may adjust the reference points based on real-time conditions or predefined criteria, ensuring adaptability in different operational scenarios. This approach enhances synchronization accuracy and supports efficient resource allocation in wireless networks.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second information comprises information configuring or scheduling the time resource and the first parameters for transmission of the data in the time duration, wherein at least one of the second information or the time duration is associated with the time reference point.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for configuring and scheduling time resources for data transmission. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and synchronized transmission of data in wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where precise timing and resource allocation are critical. The method involves transmitting first information to a receiving device, where this first information includes a time reference point. This reference point serves as a synchronization anchor for subsequent operations. The method further includes transmitting second information to the receiving device, where this second information configures or schedules a time resource and associated parameters for data transmission during a specified time duration. The key aspect is that at least one of the second information or the time duration is linked to the time reference point, ensuring alignment and coordination between the transmitting and receiving devices. Additionally, the method may involve transmitting data to the receiving device during the scheduled time duration, using the configured parameters. This ensures that the data transmission is synchronized with the time reference point, improving reliability and efficiency in wireless communication. The method may also include receiving feedback from the receiving device, which can be used to adjust or confirm the transmission parameters, further optimizing the communication process. The overall approach enhances synchronization and resource utilization in wireless networks, particularly in dynamic or high-traffic environments.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the at least one of the time resource or the first parameters is predefined or configured by semi-static signaling or dynamic signaling.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing time resources and parameters in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient allocation of time resources and configuration of communication parameters to optimize network performance. The method involves determining a time resource and first parameters for wireless communication between a network node and a user device. The time resource defines a time period during which communication occurs, while the first parameters include settings such as modulation, coding, or transmission power that influence the communication quality. To enhance adaptability, at least one of the time resource or the first parameters can be predefined, configured via semi-static signaling, or adjusted dynamically. Semi-static signaling allows periodic updates to the configuration, while dynamic signaling enables real-time adjustments based on current network conditions. This approach ensures efficient resource utilization and improved communication reliability in varying network environments.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the time reference point is configured for switching to different parameters configured for transmission.

Plain English Translation

A method for dynamically adjusting transmission parameters in a communication system involves configuring a time reference point to switch between different sets of transmission parameters. The system monitors communication conditions, such as signal quality, interference levels, or network load, to determine when to adjust the parameters. When a predefined condition is met, the time reference point triggers a switch to a new set of parameters, such as modulation schemes, coding rates, or power levels, to optimize performance. This allows the system to adapt to changing environmental or operational conditions without manual intervention. The method ensures seamless transitions by synchronizing the parameter changes across multiple devices or network nodes, maintaining stable communication links. The approach is particularly useful in wireless networks, where signal conditions vary frequently due to mobility, interference, or environmental factors. By dynamically adjusting parameters, the system improves reliability, throughput, and energy efficiency. The method can be applied to various communication protocols, including cellular, Wi-Fi, or IoT networks, to enhance adaptability and performance under diverse conditions.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the time reference point is among a plurality of time reference points, each of the plurality of time reference points repeats at a periodicity.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for managing time reference points in a system where multiple time reference points are used, each repeating at a fixed periodicity. The method addresses the challenge of synchronizing operations or events across a system where precise timing is critical, such as in communication networks, industrial automation, or distributed computing environments. By defining multiple time reference points that repeat at regular intervals, the system can ensure consistent timing for coordinated actions, reducing latency and improving reliability. The method involves selecting a time reference point from a set of predefined points, each of which recurs at a specified period. These reference points serve as synchronization markers for various system processes, allowing different components to align their operations based on the same temporal framework. The periodic repetition ensures that the system can maintain synchronization even if individual components experience delays or disruptions. This approach is particularly useful in environments where real-time coordination is essential, such as in time-sensitive networking (TSN) applications or industrial control systems. The method may also include adjusting the periodicity of the time reference points based on system requirements, such as changing operational conditions or performance demands. This adaptability allows the system to optimize synchronization efficiency while maintaining accuracy. By using multiple reference points, the method provides redundancy and flexibility, ensuring that the system can continue functioning even if one reference point becomes unreliable. This enhances overall system robustness and reliability.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein a unit of the time reference point is a sampling duration.

Plain English Translation

A method for time synchronization in digital systems addresses the challenge of accurately aligning time references across distributed or asynchronous components. The method involves generating a time reference point that serves as a synchronized timestamp for coordinating operations in a system where precise timing is critical, such as in signal processing, communication networks, or embedded systems. The time reference point is derived from a sampling duration, which is the interval between consecutive samples in a digital signal or data stream. By using the sampling duration as the unit for the time reference point, the method ensures that timing synchronization is directly tied to the system's sampling rate, reducing errors caused by clock drift or asynchronous operations. The method may also include adjusting the time reference point based on external synchronization signals or feedback mechanisms to maintain accuracy over time. This approach is particularly useful in applications where real-time processing and low-latency synchronization are required, such as in audio processing, radar systems, or industrial automation. The method can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both, depending on the specific requirements of the system.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the time reference point is defined or configured to indicate when there is a change on the time resource and the first parameters for the transmission or receipt of the data in the time duration.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing time resources in data transmission and reception. The problem addressed is the need for efficient synchronization and parameter configuration in time-sensitive communication scenarios, such as in wireless networks where precise timing is critical for data integrity and system performance. The method involves defining or configuring a time reference point that indicates when a change occurs in the time resource. This reference point is used to adjust the first set of parameters for transmitting or receiving data within a specified time duration. The time resource may include time slots, frames, or other temporal divisions used in communication protocols. The first parameters may include modulation schemes, coding rates, power levels, or other transmission/reception settings that are dynamically adjusted based on the time reference point. The method ensures that the communication system can adapt to changes in the time resource, such as variations in channel conditions or network load, by updating the parameters accordingly. This dynamic adjustment helps maintain optimal performance and reliability in data transmission and reception. The invention is particularly useful in wireless networks where timing accuracy and parameter flexibility are essential for efficient operation.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data is a single-carrier symbol block or a multi-carrier symbol block.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for transmitting data symbols in a flexible manner to improve efficiency and reliability. The problem addressed is the need to adaptively transmit data using different modulation schemes, such as single-carrier or multi-carrier symbol blocks, depending on channel conditions or system requirements. The method involves generating data symbols for transmission, where the symbols can be organized into either a single-carrier symbol block or a multi-carrier symbol block. Single-carrier transmission is useful for reducing peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) and mitigating inter-symbol interference (ISI), while multi-carrier transmission, such as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), provides robustness against multipath fading. The choice between single-carrier and multi-carrier formats allows the system to optimize performance based on factors like channel quality, interference levels, or power constraints. The method further includes processing the symbol block, such as applying error correction coding, modulation, and waveform shaping, before transmission. The system dynamically selects the appropriate symbol block type to enhance spectral efficiency, reduce power consumption, or improve error resilience. This adaptability is particularly beneficial in heterogeneous networks where different devices and channel conditions coexist. The invention ensures compatibility with existing wireless standards while providing flexibility for future enhancements.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the time reference point is among a plurality of time reference points that are predefined or configured by a base station in semi-static signaling or in dynamic signaling.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses and methods for managing time reference points in communication protocols. The problem addressed is the need for precise timing synchronization between a base station and user equipment (UE) to ensure efficient data transmission and reception. The invention provides an apparatus that includes a processor configured to determine a time reference point for communication operations. This time reference point is selected from a plurality of predefined or configurable time reference points, which can be set by the base station either through semi-static signaling (e.g., radio resource control (RRC) signaling) or dynamic signaling (e.g., downlink control information (DCI)). The apparatus further includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals based on the determined time reference point. The use of configurable time reference points allows for flexible synchronization, reducing latency and improving communication efficiency. The invention also includes methods for determining and applying these time reference points to optimize communication timing in wireless networks.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second information comprises information configuring or scheduling the time resource and the first parameters for transmission of the data in the time duration, wherein at least one of the second information or the time duration is associated with the time reference point.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses and methods for configuring and scheduling time resources for data transmission. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and synchronized data transmission in wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where precise timing and resource allocation are critical. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to transmit data in a time duration, where the data transmission is based on first parameters. The apparatus also includes a receiver configured to receive second information, which configures or schedules the time resource and the first parameters for the data transmission. The second information or the time duration is associated with a time reference point, ensuring synchronization between the transmitter and receiver. This allows for coordinated and efficient use of time resources in the network. The apparatus may further include a processor to determine the time reference point based on a predefined rule or a received signal, ensuring accurate timing alignment. The time reference point can be derived from a synchronization signal or a reference signal, which helps maintain synchronization across the network. The apparatus may also include a memory to store the first parameters and the second information, enabling quick access and processing of the data transmission configuration. This invention improves the efficiency and reliability of data transmission in wireless communication systems by providing a structured method for configuring and scheduling time resources, ensuring synchronization through a time reference point.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the at least one of the time resource or the first parameters is predefined or configured by semi-static signaling or dynamic signaling.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving resource allocation and parameter configuration in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient management of time resources and communication parameters to optimize network performance, reduce interference, and enhance data transmission reliability. The apparatus includes a communication unit configured to transmit or receive data using at least one time resource and first parameters. The time resource may be a time slot, subframe, or other time-based allocation in a wireless communication system. The first parameters may include modulation schemes, coding rates, power levels, or other transmission parameters that influence data transmission quality. The apparatus further includes a control unit that determines the time resource and first parameters for data transmission. The control unit may adjust these based on channel conditions, network load, or other operational factors to improve efficiency. The time resource or first parameters can be predefined, set by semi-static signaling (e.g., radio resource control (RRC) signaling), or dynamically adjusted via physical layer signaling (e.g., downlink control information (DCI)) to adapt to real-time conditions. This configuration allows for dynamic adaptation of transmission parameters, improving spectral efficiency and reducing latency in wireless communications. The apparatus may be part of a base station, user equipment, or other network node in a cellular or wireless local area network (WLAN) system. The invention is particularly useful in 5G and beyond networks where flexible resource allocation is critical for supporting diverse services.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the time reference point is configured for switching to different parameters configured for transmission.

Plain English Translation

The apparatus is designed for wireless communication systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing time synchronization and parameter switching in wireless networks. The apparatus includes a time reference point that serves as a synchronization anchor for coordinating communication between devices. This time reference point is dynamically configurable to switch between different transmission parameters, such as modulation schemes, coding rates, or bandwidth allocations, to optimize performance under varying network conditions. The apparatus ensures that the time reference point remains synchronized while allowing flexible adjustments to transmission parameters, thereby improving adaptability and efficiency in wireless communication. The system may also include mechanisms for monitoring network conditions and dynamically adjusting the time reference point's parameters to maintain optimal performance. This approach enhances reliability and throughput in wireless networks by dynamically adapting to changing environmental and operational factors.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the time reference point is among a plurality of time reference points, each of the plurality of time reference points repeats at a periodicity.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an apparatus for managing time reference points in a system, particularly for applications requiring precise timing synchronization. The apparatus addresses the problem of maintaining accurate time references in environments where timing signals may be subject to interference, drift, or other disruptions. The apparatus includes a mechanism to generate or receive a plurality of time reference points, each of which repeats at a defined periodicity. These time reference points serve as synchronization markers for coordinating operations across different components or systems. The apparatus may adjust or correct these time reference points to compensate for timing errors, ensuring consistent synchronization. The periodic repetition of the time reference points allows for continuous or intermittent synchronization, depending on system requirements. The apparatus may also include features to detect and mitigate timing discrepancies, such as phase shifts or frequency deviations, to maintain accurate synchronization over time. This invention is particularly useful in systems where precise timing is critical, such as telecommunications, industrial automation, or distributed computing environments.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a unit of the time reference point is a sampling duration.

Plain English Translation

A system for time synchronization in digital signal processing involves generating and distributing precise time reference points to coordinate operations across multiple devices. The system addresses challenges in maintaining synchronization in distributed processing environments, where timing discrepancies can lead to errors in data analysis, communication, or signal reconstruction. The apparatus includes a master timing module that generates a reference signal and distributes it to slave devices, ensuring all components operate in a synchronized manner. The time reference points are used to align sampling intervals, trigger data acquisition, or coordinate signal processing tasks. In this specific embodiment, the unit of the time reference point corresponds to a sampling duration, meaning each reference point marks the start or end of a discrete sampling period. This allows for precise alignment of sampled data across multiple devices, reducing phase errors and improving signal integrity. The system may be applied in fields such as telecommunications, radar systems, or medical imaging, where accurate timing is critical for performance. The apparatus may also include error correction mechanisms to compensate for transmission delays or environmental factors that could disrupt synchronization. By defining the time reference point in terms of sampling duration, the system ensures that all devices operate with a consistent and predictable timing framework, enhancing overall system reliability and accuracy.

Claim 22

Original Legal Text

22. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the time reference point is defined or configured to indicate when there is a change on the time resource and the first parameters for the transmission or receipt of the data in the time duration.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses and methods for managing time resources in data transmission and reception. The problem addressed is the need for precise synchronization and efficient use of time resources in wireless networks to avoid collisions and optimize data transfer. The apparatus includes a time resource management module that defines or configures a time reference point to indicate when a change occurs in the time resource. This reference point is used to determine the first set of parameters for transmitting or receiving data within a specified time duration. The apparatus also includes a communication interface for exchanging data with other devices and a processing unit to execute the time resource management functions. The time resource management module ensures that the time reference point accurately reflects changes in the time resource, allowing the apparatus to adjust transmission or reception parameters dynamically. This helps in maintaining synchronization with other devices in the network and improving overall communication efficiency. The apparatus may also include additional modules for monitoring network conditions and adapting the time reference point based on real-time data. By dynamically configuring the time reference point and associated parameters, the apparatus enables efficient use of time resources, reduces the likelihood of data collisions, and enhances the reliability of wireless communication. This is particularly useful in environments where multiple devices share the same communication channel and require precise timing coordination.

Claim 23

Original Legal Text

23. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the data is a single-carrier symbol block or a multi-carrier symbol block.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically apparatuses for processing and transmitting data symbols in communication signals. The problem addressed is the efficient handling of different types of symbol blocks, such as single-carrier and multi-carrier configurations, to optimize transmission performance and compatibility with various modulation schemes. The apparatus includes a signal processing unit configured to generate communication signals from input data. The data can be structured as either a single-carrier symbol block, where symbols are transmitted sequentially over a single carrier frequency, or a multi-carrier symbol block, where symbols are transmitted simultaneously over multiple carrier frequencies, such as in orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM). The apparatus further includes a modulation unit that converts the processed data into modulated signals suitable for transmission over a communication channel. The system may also incorporate error correction and synchronization mechanisms to ensure reliable data delivery. The apparatus is designed to dynamically adapt to the type of symbol block being processed, ensuring compatibility with different modulation techniques and improving signal integrity. This flexibility allows the system to support various communication standards and applications, including high-speed data transmission and broadband services. The invention enhances spectral efficiency and reduces interference, making it suitable for modern wireless networks.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

October 22, 2020

Publication Date

May 21, 2024

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